Definition
Muʿtaq (معتق) refers to an emancipated slave, someone who has been granted freedom from servitude. This term originates from the practices within Islamic societies where slaves could be liberated by various means, often as an act of piety or a means of expiation for certain sins.
Etymology
The Arabic term Muʿtaq derives from the root word ʿi-t-q (عتق) which means to become emancipated or to gain liberty. Thus, Muʿtaq translates directly to “one who has been freed” or “the emancipated.”
Background
In Islamic jurisprudence, manumission, or the act of freeing a slave, is deeply embedded within the moral, legal, and spiritual framework. Islam encourages the freeing of slaves as a meritorious deed, illustrated by numerous texts in the Qur’an and Hadith. The Prophet Muhammad himself freed several slaves and strongly endorsed manumission as a path to righteousness.
Key verses in the Qur’an, such as Surah An-Nur (24:33), urge believers to grant emancipation to slaves. The act of freeing a slave could serve as expiation for certain sins, and it was also a recommended act of charity. Thus, a Muʿtaq occupied a distinct social and spiritual position in Muslim communities.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Islamic View
In Islamic cultures, the emancipation of slaves held significant religious merit. While freed individuals gained basic personal liberty, certain social hierarchies persisted due to the historical context of one’s former servitude.
Other Traditions
Comparatively, in ancient Rome or Greece, the concept of freedmen (liberti in Rome) was also prevalent, with manumission being a legal act that transformed the social status of a slave. In both Roman and Islamic frameworks, freed individuals often maintained some form of client-patron relationship with their former masters.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms:
- Freedperson
- Ex-slave
- Manumitted individual
Antonyms:
- Enslaved person
- Servant
- Bound individual
Related Terms with Definitions
- Kafāla (كفالة): Legal custody or guardianship without adopting status.
- Abolition: Official ending of the practice of slavery.
- Manumission: The act of a slave owner freeing their slaves.
- Emancipation: The process of freeing someone from restraint or legal restrictions.
Exciting Facts
- The act of freeing a slave in Islam not only benefited the Muʿtaq but also accrued significant spiritual rewards for the liberator, aligning earthly kindness with divine approval.
- Some narratives suggest that the practice of manumission was a way to slowly erode the practice of slavery by creating religious incentives for liberation.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- “_Remember the bondswoman.” - Prophet Muhammad (Hadith recorded by al-Bukhari)
- “To set a slave free is to free oneself from the bounds of worldly attachment.” - Ibn Rushd
References
- The Qur’an
- Al-Bukhari, Sahih
- Ibn Rushd, “The Distinguished Jurist’s Primer”
- Bernard Lewis, “Race and Slavery in the Middle East”
Suggested Literature and Additional Sources
- Slavery and Emancipation in Early Islam by Richard Bruce Johnson
- Islamic Law and Society: The Dynamics of Interpretation by N.H. Siddiqui
- Servants of Allah: African Muslims Enslaved in the Americas by Sylviane A. Diouf
- The Ethics of Responsibility: Manumission in Islamic Jurisprudence by Wael B. Hallaq
Quizzes on Muʿtaq (معتق)
Embrace the virtue of knowledge and the wisdom that guides our heritage. Until next time, may your journey through history and faith enlighten your present.
Farewell and Happy Learning!
